Significado
Self-reliance is better than relying on others.
Contexto cultural
The proverb reflects the 'L'arte di arrangiarsi' (the art of making do), a valued trait in Italian society where individual resourcefulness is often necessary. In the industrial North, this phrase is often associated with the 'piccola impresa' (small business) spirit, where a single entrepreneur does everything from accounting to production. In rural contexts, it refers to the pride of the farmer who can maintain his land without hiring outside help. The phrase is now a popular hashtag for the 'Maker' movement and DIY influencers on social media.
Use it for pride
Use this phrase when you want to show you are proud of your independence.
Don't be rude
Avoid saying this to someone who is actively trying to help you, as it can sound ungrateful.
Significado
Self-reliance is better than relying on others.
Use it for pride
Use this phrase when you want to show you are proud of your independence.
Don't be rude
Avoid saying this to someone who is actively trying to help you, as it can sound ungrateful.
The 'DIY' connection
Remember that 'fai-da-te' comes from this logic. If you remember the proverb, you'll never forget the word for DIY.
Ponte a prueba
Complete the proverb with the missing words.
Chi fa da ___ fa per ___.
The standard proverb is 'Chi fa da sé fa per tre'.
In which situation is this proverb most appropriate?
Scenario: You are working on a group project, but your partners are not doing anything. You decide to finish it alone.
This proverb is used when you decide to work alone to be more efficient.
Which of these means 'DIY' in Italian?
Il ________ è molto popolare in Italia.
'Fai-da-te' is the noun derived from the same logic as the proverb.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Vuoi una mano con quelle borse?' B: 'No grazie, sono quasi arrivato. ________!'
B is refusing help and asserting their independence.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosChi fa da ___ fa per ___.
The standard proverb is 'Chi fa da sé fa per tre'.
Scenario: You are working on a group project, but your partners are not doing anything. You decide to finish it alone.
This proverb is used when you decide to work alone to be more efficient.
Il ________ è molto popolare in Italia.
'Fai-da-te' is the noun derived from the same logic as the proverb.
A: 'Vuoi una mano con quelle borse?' B: 'No grazie, sono quasi arrivato. ________!'
B is refusing help and asserting their independence.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
5 preguntasYes, it is extremely common in daily conversation, especially in the context of DIY and personal projects.
Yes, but be careful. It's fine if you're talking about your own productivity, but it can sound like you don't like your colleagues if used in a team setting.
Three is a traditional number for a 'group' or 'crowd' in Italian culture. It emphasizes that one person is better than a whole group.
'Se' means 'if'. 'Sé' means 'himself/herself/oneself'. The accent is mandatory in this proverb.
The proverb itself is neutral. To be more formal, you can introduce it with 'Come dice il proverbio...' (As the proverb says...).
Frases relacionadas
Fai-da-te
builds onDo-it-yourself (DIY)
Meglio soli che mal accompagnati
similarBetter alone than in bad company
L'unione fa la forza
contrastUnity is strength
Chi la dura la vince
similarHe who perseveres wins
